Water Damage to different floorings

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

Water effects flooring types differently - your trained professionals at SERVPRO® know how to help YOU

Your home has many different flooring types, and our SERVPRO® professionals have different tools and equipment that can help to restore these after water losses. Many materials compose the construction of your home's flooring, walls, and ceiling systems. Different strategies are necessary to remove water and moisture from these structural elements because so many materials make up your home. Our team of professionals has extensive training and experience to provide the ideal approach for whatever wet surface we encounter. 

Recognizing what tools are best for actions like water removal in your homes gets determined during the initial evaluation and damage assessment. Scoping the job is a process where our project manager and crew chief work with the customer to identify preloss conditions and pre-existing conditions so that we can return the property to its original state as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. 

Can You Remove Water from Carpeting?  

In areas like your living room and bedrooms, carpeting is one of the typical flooring types encountered in area homes. When migrating water reaches the fibers of carpeted floors, this moisture can get quickly absorbed. It is critical to remove water from carpeting as soon as possible so that moisture does not penetrate the padding and, eventually, the subflooring material. When reconstruction is necessary, the cost of recovery amplifies. Some of the water removal tools and practices for carpeted floors include: 

• Carpet Wands – Wands are fierce attachments for wet vacuums and extractors that can pull water from the surface layer and the padding of carpeted floors. These tools are wise choices when the padding is getting replaced. 
• Weighted Extractors – Stand on and ride on extraction tools can force the surface layer of carpeting and the padding together against the subflooring. This action forces moisture to the surface for an onboard vacuum to remove. 
• Floating Practices – By placing a centrifugal air mover between the top and padding layers of carpeted floors, we can dry both of these materials simultaneously in a floating process. This style is risky as it could cause de-lamination from the primary and secondary backing of the carpet. 

Is Wood Flooring Salvageable After Water Damage?  

The composition of wood surfaces, especially flooring, makes it a sensitive material to standing surface water. Absorption can happen quickly, which can be disastrous if the water does not get removed quickly. Within as little as 48 hours, saturation can reach the point where it begins to warp and distort wood planks, leaving no option but removal and replacement. Some of the approaches for drying wood floors include: 

• Air movers
• Drying Mat System
• Tenting 

Does Standing Water Damage Tile?  

Many homeowners believe that tile flooring is impenetrable, even to standing water. While it is far more difficult for water to breach even the grout joints between floor tiles, a small opening or breach in this water-tight seal can allow penetration to the mortar bed and subflooring material. The water beneath tiling can be destructive and hard to detect initially. Our SERVPRO® team can address potential concerns with a simple three-step formula for removing water: 

• Extraction – We cannot determine the damage that standing water has done in areas like the kitchen or bathroom until we have removed it. There are multiple extractors, but often wet vacuums and electric submersible pumps are the common implements. 
• Surface Moisture Meter – With pooling water addressed, our technicians can work to determine the damage to tile flooring and other exposed materials. Finding moisture pockets often falls to a surface moisture meter device or probing tool to identify if damp areas exist beneath the top layer. 
• Drying Mats – If pockets of moisture get detected with thermal imagery and surface meters, we can lay drying mats to slowly draw moisture from the mortar bed and subflooring materials to preserve and protect these areas. 

Does SERVPRO Replace Flooring?  

We can offer effective solutions for extraction and drying after a full-service restoration and recovery team after a water loss incident. While we strive to restore before replacing, this is not always possible. We have a full team of licensed residential contractors that can repair and reinstall flooring materials that required discarding from water damages. In this way, we can seamlessly transition between mitigation and repairs to get you back to normal life as soon as possible. 

While you might not be able to avoid water loss incidents, you can choose the team that oversees your property's restoration and recovery. No matter what materials become affected by water exposure, our SERVPRO® team can help. Contact us today at (541) 745-2097.

PNW Winter Storms Bring RAIN

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

The discovery of mold in your attic could indicate there is a leak in your roof. Dont wait until the storms hit to find out!

Winter in the Willamette Valley means the start of the rainy season, and sometimes freezing overnight temperatures.  It’s a good idea to inspect around your home to see if you find signs of moisture or mold in your attic. This could indicate that you have a leak in your roof that has gone unnoticed. A leak in the roof will allow moisture to enter your home thus creating an ideal growing condition for mold. Before doing any mold remediation it is ideal to have the roof repaired first or else you may have mold growth again if you wait on repairing the roof after having the mold removed.

The most common roof leaks are the following:

• Ice dams
• Missing or broken shingles
• Damaged flashing

In the winter you could experience an ice dam. Ice dams happen when the snow freezes at the edge of the roof causing water to back up and leak into your home. To prevent an ice dam try removing 2-4 feet of snow from the edge to prevent an ice dam from forming.

A storm can cause damage to your roof, it is a good idea to check your roof after a storm to see if the roof has any broken or missing shingles.

Damaged flashing will allow water to leak into your home. Check your flashing regularly to see if they have any damages.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. If you suspect mold, we can come inspect it for you.

If your home or business suffers from water damage or mold growth after a storm, call SERVPRO® today at 541-745-2097.

SERVPRO® helps every step of the way!

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Your SERVPRO® Team is here to help you every step of the way! Call today!

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claims costs down while still providing the best services possible for your customers.

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals are uniquely qualified to help. Our results create a measurable difference, giving you many competitive advantages.

Emergency Response to Claims

Restoring property is the SERVPRO Franchise Professional's first priority. Your customer will appreciate the immediate response and you will know everything is being done to limit the damage.

Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense

Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Claims Professionals know the rule is, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." SERVPRO Franchise Professionals make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability.

Claims Inventory Service

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide an itemized loss inventory. You will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items.

Electronic Claims Information

Our Claims Information Center provides fast, accurate information you need to make sound decisions, including:

• A Complete Electronic Job File.
  • First Notice of Loss.
  • Detailed Estimate.
  • Digital Loss Photos.
  • Scanned Forms and Paperwork.
  • All delivered by email or hard copy.
• On-line Access to All Files.
  • New Assignments.
  • Pending Jobs.
  • Completed Jobs.
• Informative Reports to Improve Results
  • Job Cost Data.
• Performance Comparison to Industry Standard.

Superior, Time-Tested Training

Effective training is the best way to help ensure your customers receive the service they deserve. Franchises are trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration. In addition, continuing education classes are available to Franchise Professionals and Insurance Clients at our state of the art IICRC Approved Training Facility. 

Vendor Qualification Compliance and Professionalism

If you call SERVPRO®, we will use only qualified vendors to service your customer. That commitment resulted in:

• A National Call Center to achieve prompt handling of the claim.
• Implementation of best practices and job process programs.
• National Accounts qualification criteria and annual compliance checks.
• Crew and vehicle standards.
• Insurance requirements.
• File documentation requirements.
• Quality assurance program.

Serving Adjusters and Their Clients

A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional's job is to reassure the customer, perform quality service and to report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim... and not to deal with problems from vendors! Working together we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you are assigned. 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file are available to you within hours. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals’ documented, measured performance increases value to you and your shareholders, managers and customers.

Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO® leaders in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. The SERVPRO System is geared to achieve customer satisfaction and mitigation results, adding to your company’s competitive advantage. Call today! 541-745-2097

Here for your Commercial Loss needs!

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Do not let your company become another statistic after experiencing damage.

Nearly 50% of businesses will not reopen following a property disaster such as a pipe break or fire leading to water or fire damage. Our team in Hillsboro wants to make sure that you do not become part of that staggering statistic. Our team of trained, experienced and skilled professionals are ready to respond 24 hours a day. We know that property damage can not only distract you and your employees but can also cause delays in getting business done and taking care of your clients.  We work with you and your team to minimize disruption to everyday workflow.

Our on-call teams in Hillsboro and Forest Grove are ready to respond to any kind of damage you may suffer, and can leap into action to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-745-2097.

Here for your Commercial Loss needs!

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Do not let your company become another statistic after experiencing damage.

Nearly 50% of businesses will not reopen following a property disaster such as a pipe break or fire leading to water or fire damage. Our team in Hillsboro wants to make sure that you do not become part of that staggering statistic. Our team of trained, experienced and skilled professionals are ready to respond 24 hours a day. We know that property damage can not only distract you and your employees but can also cause delays in getting business done and taking care of your clients.  We work with you and your team to minimize disruption to everyday workflow.

Our on-call teams in Hillsboro and Forest Grove are ready to respond to any kind of damage you may suffer, and can leap into action to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-745-2097.

What SERVPRO can do for your business...

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

While we cannot predict any disaster, here at SERVPRO®, we are ready for your call!

SERVPRO  technicians maintain certifications from the IICRC this allows our team to handle weather related damages to residential and commercial properties.

A snow storm in Bend, Oregon caused commercial property damages and our team -yes, our Willamette Valley team -  was dispatched to the area.

Here is an example of the certifications our team members have;

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)

Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively. 

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

Technicians with AMRT certification learn safety practices and mold/ sewage remediation techniques. 

Let our trained and qualified employees take the stress and worry away from storm damages by keeping you up to date with the process, with our fast and efficient work to get your home or business back in order, and with our courteous and polite employees.

SERVPRO® is "Faster to Any Size Disaster". Call 541-745-2097 for an inspection.    

For more training and certification requirements check out our website.

Bio Hazard Clean Ups

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

In SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn County’s line of work, we face a lot of jobs that pertain to biohazard, including exposure to blood or bodily fluids. We are here with the tools necessary to clean up situations that normally would not be safe for the average individual.

Our franchise is there to clean up after deaths, sickness, sewage, or accidents, so you don’t have to!

Part of the precautions that we take to keep our techs safe, is proper training, and continuing education; we are never done learning how to be even better at our jobs. This includes weekly meetings where we go over a particular subject, and training's.

Another part to how we keep our techs safe is through proper PPE, also known as “Personal Protective Equipment”.  One of the important requirements for our techs is to have or acknowledge the need for a Hepatitis B vaccination.

For extreme biohazard risk, our techs will apply a suit, gloves, face mask, and then seal it with tape, to ensure full security from biohazard elements.

At SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn County, we always ensure the safety of not just out customers, but our employees too!

Ways to safeguard your home during storm season

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

the heavy rains we get here in the PNW can bring down branches and even entire trees!

We live in the Pacific Northwest and we love it! That also means we have a a lot of different weather that we experience in the winter months. From strong winds and rain to heavy snow here are 4 ways to protect your home from a storm. 

1. Clear away outdoor items

Make sure all lawn furniture, gardening tools, sporting equipment and other outdoor items are stored away if a storm is heading your way. High winds during a heavy storm can potentially pick up these items and send them flying through a window or far away from your home. Putting away loose outdoor items in this situation can protect your house (and your neighbors’ houses) from unnecessary damage.

2. Trim the trees

Take time to examine the trees in your yard or surrounding your house.

Storms will often snap large tree branches, which can damage your home's siding, smash your car or even topple power lines and cause outages. If the tree has a loose connection with a big branch, consider sawing it off. It might reduce some shade in the yard, but can potentially protect your home.

3. Have standby power

Electricity lines are vulnerable during storms. Fallen branches can easily snap the power lines, and lightning strikes can blow up transformers, causing major power outages.

A whole-house surge protective device runs in the $200 to $300 range and is easy for an electrician to install. A generator is a great way to protect your home during storms and for a constant back up.

4. Flood-proof your home

Heavy rainstorms can lead to flooding, which can potentially wreak havoc on homes. Water damage can devalue a house and cause significant problems with the foundation.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO®. Call us today at (541)745-2097.

Malodors can impact your business

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

After water damage, lingering unpleasant odors can impact your business

Have you experienced flooding or water damage in your Commercial business?

 These issues can leave unwelcome and defiantly unwanted odors in the air. This odor is most always displeasing to customers, employees or yourself. Based on the source of the issue, we have 5 tips to help solve the problem: 

1. Ventilate the Building and Evaluate the Situation- Allows any lingering scents to disperse through a window, if possible. You can then work to identify and locate any centralized, problematic scents. If sewage loss is causing the odor, it’s best to stay away from the contaminated water and contact SERVPRO® to mitigate.
2. Dry Wet Carpeting and Flooring- Carpet holds moisture and it could be the source of the scent. A wet and dry vacuum, which can be rented if needed, can shampoo the carpet and then dry it afterward. This sanitizes the area to potentially remove some of the smell.
3. Scrub Moldy Surfaces- Mold growth left alone will continue to reproduce and spread along with its musty odor
4. Spray Furniture and Upholstery- Furniture can be sprayed and scrubbed. Porous materials are likely not able to be fully cleaned this way since the fungus settles within.
5. Consult Professionals for Extensive Cleanup- There are many instances that commercial-grade machines will need to be used to remove the malodor. An expert SERVPRO® technician can help remove problems caused by floodwater and/or other water damage. When dealing with flood odors, most do-it-yourself remedies will fix only the symptom. Trust the help from SERVPRO® where we can assist you to remove most of the unwanted smells alongside any mold growth or other nuisance.

Call us today 541-745-2097!

Fireplace Safety Tips

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

Fireplaces can be cozy on colder fall and winter evenings, but it is important to maintain the safety of your fireplace to avoid a disaster!

As the weather turns cooler, it is a special treat to have a wood burning fireplace in your home. This is if the fireplace has been well maintained and works properly when you light it. Here are some maintenance tips for your fireplace this winter

Hire a Chimney Sweep

It is recommended that you get your chimney cleaned and swept out once per year. This clears it of any additional debris and also is a good way to address any problems that may be going on in your chimney. Hiring a professional for this job is probably the best idea as it requires special tools.

Install a Chimney Cap

The cap provides several benefits, including: it prevents water from entering the chimney when it rains, causing costly water damage; a chimney cap with mesh will prevent animals from getting into your chimney and nesting or getting stuck and dying; a chimney cap can prevent other types of blockage, all of which can cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the home; a spark arrester can help prevent hot embers and sparks from escaping onto the roof or other combustible materials.

Check your chimney and fireplace for any damage.

Before lighting your first fire of the year take some time to look around your fireplace inside and out and notice any changes that may be questionable. If you find damages, hire a wood stove expert to come and address your chimney.

Leave a layer of ash when you clear out your chimney

When you clean out ashes from the firebox, leave at least one inch of ash, which acts as insulation. The ash will allow coals to heat more quickly and will also allow them to retain heat longer.

Watch out for sparks

Place a rug that is non-flammable in front of the fireplace so that if sparks escape, they won’t do any damage to your floor or carpeting. This comes in handy for those embers that you aren't expecting to come out of your fireplace. They will burn your flooring quickly and before you can grab them safely.  Or better yet, install non-flammable tile or stone flooring in front of your fireplace.  Tile/stone is also easier to clean up if any ash is spilled!

And as always, if you do have a fire-related incident, do not hesitate to call your local SERVPRO® Franchise at 541-745-2097!